Financial Literacy campaign reaches Diskit, focus on social security and safe banking

LEH: A Financial Literacy Outreach Awareness Programme was conducted at Diskit in Nubra Valley as part of the month-long Financial Inclusion Saturation Campaign launched by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), with a focus on expanding awareness of banking services, social security schemes and safe financial practices.

The programme was organised by Crisil Foundation in collaboration with the Ladakh Rural Livelihood Mission (LRLM) and witnessed participation from Self-Help Group (SHG) members and Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) representatives.

During the awareness session, participants were sensitised to various aspects of financial inclusion, including access to banking services, social security coverage and financial risk management. Special emphasis was laid on government-backed schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY).

The programme also covered issues related to inoperative bank accounts, Re-KYC and C-KYC compliance, account nomination procedures and measures to prevent cyber fraud. Resource persons highlighted the importance of maintaining updated banking records and adopting safe digital transaction practices.

Participants were further briefed on the Interest Subvention Scheme for timely repayment of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans, as well as self-employment and entrepreneurship initiatives, including the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and the Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme.

Officials from J&K Bank and the State Bank of India, Diskit, delivered presentations on financial products and banking services available to customers and responded to queries raised by participants.

The programme was coordinated by the Crisil Foundation team in collaboration with the District Mission Management Unit of LRLM Leh. Organisers said the initiative was aimed at strengthening financial awareness, enhancing access to welfare schemes and promoting informed financial decision-making among rural communities.

The outreach forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen financial inclusion and improve awareness of banking and social security benefits across remote areas of Ladakh.